You're elated that you've found a living, willing and able babysitter to watch your tots for an upcoming "must attend" event. But, wait! Even though you've
asked all the right questions of the potential babysitter and are satisfied with the responses, don't overlook the critical last step: checking references. Here are ever-important things to consider when conducting reference checks on anyone who may be in care of your child.
Communicate Importance of Reference Checks
When interviewing a potential child care provider, whether it is a teenage babysitter, daycare teacher, or nanny, be sure to communicate that you intent to conduct a reference check and highly value findings. Ask for contact information on former employers or for other families whose children a teen has babysat previously. This also helps to "bring out" any concerns up front.
Impromptu Chats With Families, Friends, Neighbors Are Okay
Another approach that families sometimes use to inquire about a potential child care provider service or babysitter is to casually inquire about who a particular family is using, how it is going, and whether the kids enjoy their provider. Ask about any particular likes and dislikes, and gauge whether responses cause you any hesitation or pause.
Ask for the Facts
Use references to confirm facts that your potential babysitter has told you. Verify details of employment, job title, year in school or when graduated, and other fact-based questions. This helps to validate the truthfulness of the reference, and will help you feel better about your sitter if you choose to use her.
Request Specific Examples of Child Care
Ask for any information a reference can provide about how the babysitter handled a crisis or an unplanned situation. If the reference doesn't have any information to recall, you can try asking about a hypothetical situation: "How do you think Emily would handle the situation if my child gets hurt playing outside or develops a diarrhea?"
Watch for Warning Signs
If the reference only provides very short answers, seems eager to end the conversation, or is vague in responses, be warned. Quite possibly, there is more to the story than what is being provided. Ask about any strengths, weaknesses, potential problems or concerns, and overall "rating." If you have specific requirements about discipline, routines, food choices, etc., don't hesitate to ask references about these areas as well to see if you receive additional input.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask About Pay
It's okay to ask how much someone paid the potential sitter, but don't be surprised if the reference is reluctant to say. While sometimes the information is well-known or is a non-issue, some individuals consider pay to be a private matter between parties. If the person does tell you, however, it helps you to set a rate with your own kids.
Reliability and Judgment
Being reliable in terms of being on time and always remembering when selected for a job are traits every family wants and needs in a sitter. Ask references whether the individual shows these traits or if there were any concerns in this area. Ask also about judgement; does she exhibit sound judgment and is there any specific example that can be cited?
What Do The Kids Say?
If the situation is appropriate, ask the kids what they think about a particular babysitter or early childhood educator. Then, listen very carefully to their comments and their non-verbal reactions. Do they squeal with excitement over her name? While kids shouldn't be a sole reason for hiring a sitter, their approval or disapproval of someone can be an indicator of whether there is an overall good fit with your family.
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